By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Government has promoted 53,501 paramilitary officers of the agencies under the Ministry of Interior in 18 months.
The Interior Minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said this during the decoration ceremony of promoted officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior are Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and NCoS.
Tunji-Ojo said that the achievement was a testament to the current administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the hard work and dedication of officers.
He said that the government had made it a point to ensure that promotions were made within the calendar year, as a matter of right, rather than as a favour.
He also said that the Ministry had prioritised the welfare of all the personnel, recognising their sacrifices and dedication to duty.
“In the last two years, within the last 18 months under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we’ve been able to promote 53,501 officers.
“Last year in NCoS, we promoted 4,704 and this year in NCoS, we promoted 5,329. So, that puts over 10,000 officers promoted within 18 months in NCoS.
“And we made it a proper duty to say that your promotion must be within the calendar year, and as a matter of fact, your promotion is a right if earned and that’s the truth.
“It is not a favour because it is a responsibility of an employer to make sure that you’re promoted, Just as it is the responsibility of the employer to make sure that you’re paid.
“And this particular administration came on board and we decided that even your welfare has to be prioritised,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo, however, said that the NCoS recorded significant milestones in its reform efforts, despite recent challenges.
He, however, acknowledged that the NCoS played a critical role in maintaining public safety and rehabilitating offenders.
“As the bridge to the most vulnerable in society, correctional officers are the strength of the weakest, the voice of the voiceless, and the hope of the hopeless,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the selfless service and sacrifices of correctional officers have not gone unnoticed.
He added that many officers have put their families on the line making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the nation and ensure public safety.
He assured that the government remained committed to supporting correctional officers in their critical work.
Tunji-Ojo called on all officers to join forces with the government to eliminate the few bad eggs that were tarnishing the image of the service.
He emphasised that the fight against indiscipline, corruption, and unprofessionalism was a collective responsibility that required the commitment and dedication of all officers.
“The NCoS has been working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the service, including the menace of indiscipline, corruption, and unprofessionalism.
“To whom much is given, much is expected.
“With the support of the government and the dedication of its personnel, the NCoS is poised to achieve greater heights in its reform efforts, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians,” he said.
In his remark, the Controller General, NCoS, Haliru Nababa, congratulated the newly promoted officers on their achievement.
Nababa said that the promotion exercise was a recognition of merit, hard work, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
“What we are witnessing today is not a mere routine exercise; it is a recognition of merit, hard work and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
“Therefore, let me use this opportunity to heartily congratulate, not just those to be symbolically decorated today, but all the beneficiaries of the year 2024 promotion exercise.
“Indeed, every officer looks forward to days like this, as it gives a great sense of satisfaction and signifies a step closer to individual aspirations,” he said.
Nababa appreciated the Minister of Interior for his support which he said had led to promotions in unprecedented numbers.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) for making the promotion exercise a success.
“Sir, we do not take this for granted and I can assure you that this milestone will go a long way in motivating Correctional Officers to rise up to the challenges and complexities of modern corrections and custodial management,” he said.
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